Dubai EasyDubai & Abu Dhabi in 4 nights

Four nights in one Dubai hotel, with the big moments spread out so no day is crowded: a dhow dinner the night you land, the old souks and Burj Khalifa at sunset, the desert safari, and a free day for shopping or a theme park. It suits families, parents and couples on a long weekend; the flight from Mumbai is about three hours and nothing is more than about 45 minutes from your hotel.

Day 1

Arrive in Dubai (4 Nights)

About 25 km · 30–45 minutes by road

Your driver meets you at arrivals and takes you to your hotel; check-in is usually from 3 pm, so a morning flight means a little time to freshen up and rest. In the evening you're collected for a two-hour dinner cruise on a traditional wooden dhow around Dubai Marina, gliding past the lit-up towers of JBR and the Marina skyline. The buffet includes vegetarian dishes, and Jain food can be arranged with notice. Your transfer brings you back to the hotel after the cruise. Overnight in Dubai.

• Dubai Marina dhow dinner cruise
• Marina and JBR skyline

• Note: The dhow cruise is on a shared boat with other guests; private dhows are available on request.

Prafull’s tipThe dhow's open upper deck is best for photos; ask for a table there when you board.

Dinner

Day 2

Dubai: City Tour and Burj Khalifa

A private half-day tour of Old Dubai with your guide and car. You walk the wind-tower lanes of Al Fahidi, cross Dubai Creek by abra, the small wooden water-taxi, and browse the Spice and Gold Souks in Deira. Then photo stops at the Museum of the Future on Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Mosque and the Burj Al Arab, and a drive along the Palm Jumeirah to Atlantis. After a rest at the hotel, you go up Burj Khalifa to 'At the Top' on levels 124 and 125, timed for sunset, and watch the Dubai Fountain show below. Overnight in Dubai.

• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
• Abra ride on Dubai Creek
• Gold and Spice Souks
• Museum of the Future (outside)
• Burj Khalifa At the Top
• Dubai Fountain

• Note: The Dubai Fountain runs every 30 minutes in the evening, roughly from 6 pm to 11 pm.
• Note: Optional: the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo inside the Dubai Mall, paid locally.

Prafull’s tipSunset slots at Burj Khalifa sell out weeks ahead in winter; we book yours when you confirm the trip.

Breakfast

Day 3

Dubai: Desert Safari

A free morning for a slow breakfast, the pool or a little shopping. At about 3 pm a 4x4, shared with other guests, collects you for the drive out to the red dunes beyond the city. Your driver takes you on a dune drive, then there's a short camel ride and a go at sandboarding. You watch the sun go down over the sand, then settle in at a desert camp for henna, a tanoura dance and a fire show, with a barbecue buffet that includes vegetarian dishes. You're back at your hotel by about 9 pm. Overnight in Dubai.

• Dune drive in a 4x4
• Camel ride
• Sandboarding
• Desert camp with tanoura and fire show

• Note: Dune driving is bumpy. Parents, pregnant guests and anyone with back trouble can skip it and ride straight to camp; tell us in advance.
• Note: Optional: quad biking at the camp, approx. AED 150–250 per bike, paid locally.

Prafull’s tipWear closed shoes and carry a light jacket; desert evenings from December to February are cooler than you expect.

Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4

Dubai at Leisure

A free day to shape as you like. Shop at the Dubai Mall or the Mall of the Emirates, spend the day at a theme park such as IMG Worlds of Adventure or Aquaventure on the Palm, or go up the Dubai Frame for views of old and new Dubai side by side. In season, the Dubai Miracle Garden fills a day with flower sculptures, and Global Village makes a lively evening with pavilions from dozens of countries, including India. We book tickets and transfers for whatever you choose. Overnight in Dubai.

• The Dubai Mall
• Dubai Frame
• IMG Worlds of Adventure
• Dubai Miracle Garden (in season)
• Global Village (in season)

• Note: The Miracle Garden and Global Village usually open from around October or November to April or May.
• Note: Theme-park tickets start from approx. AED 300 per person; we check current offers for your dates.

Prafull’s tipOne theme park a day is plenty. Even in winter, arrive at opening and take a break indoors at midday.

Breakfast

Day 5

Dubai – Departure

About 25 km · 30–45 minutes by road

Breakfast at the hotel and a last few hours for packing or a final stop at a souk for dates, saffron or perfume. Check-out is usually by noon; the hotel can hold your bags if your flight is later, and late check-out can be requested. Your driver collects you about three hours before departure for the drive to Dubai International. Leave time for Dubai Duty Free, one of the busiest airport shops anywhere, and for the long walks between gates. Your holiday ends here.

• Dubai Duty Free

Prafull’s tipTerminal 3 is Emirates only; Air India, IndiGo and most Indian carriers use Terminal 1. Check yours the night before.

Breakfast

Tour details

Accommodation

Choose the hotel category. The same route and sightseeing in every category.

Hotels are confirmed when you book. If a hotel is full, we give you one of the same category in the same area, and tell you before you pay.

Optional add-ons

Not in the price. Prafull can book them for you or you can pay locally.

Tour information

Read this to prepare for your holiday.

Good to know

• The UAE tourist visa is included. We need a clear passport scan (six months' validity) and a photo about two weeks before travel.
• Dress modestly in malls, souks and mosques, with shoulders and knees covered. Beachwear is for the beach and pool.
• Indian food is everywhere, including pure-veg and Jain restaurants, and the desert camp has a vegetarian buffet.
• Parents travel easily here: short drives, lifts and wheelchairs at the malls and Burj Khalifa, and the safari can skip the dune drive.
• The UAE dirham (AED) is the currency, and cards work almost everywhere. The UAE is 1.5 hours behind India.
• Sockets are the three-pin UK type; bring an adaptor. During Ramadan, eat and drink discreetly in public in daylight.

When to go

November to March. Warm, sunny days and pleasant evenings, ideal for the desert and outdoor attractions. June to September is very hot, though hotels are cheaper.

Our favourite months

Cancellation policy & payment terms

• Cancellations must be sent in writing, on email or WhatsApp; the date we receive it is the cancellation date.
• Flights, trains, visa fees and non-refundable hotel or activity bookings are refunded only as their own rules allow.
• Date changes are free when made 30 days or more before travel, subject to hotel availability and any difference in price.
• Refunds are paid within 14 working days of us receiving them from the hotels and suppliers.
• No refund is possible for services not used during the holiday.
• Hotels may ask for a refundable security deposit at check-in, paid directly to the hotel.

Questions about this holiday